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One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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This One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender penne pasta is coated in a luscious and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce made from scratch using butter, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and whole milk. Fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness, while the parmesan cheese lends a rich, savory flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound penne pasta (cooked according to package directions)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 5–6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 teaspoons parsley flakes
  • 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, set it aside, and keep it warm for serving.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1½ minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s flavor.
  3. Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for another 1½ minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and forms the base for the creamy sauce.
  4. Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, indicating it’s ready.
  5. Finish Sauce: Stir in the parsley flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it to desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley flakes and Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
  • Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for garlic intensity.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-penne-pasta-recipe/